The aim of the present study is to evaluate the thermoregulatory ability of the aged by the fluctuation of cutaneous circulation. Twenty - two aged and 14 young subjects participated in the study. The fluctuation of the heart rate and forehead skin blood flow was estimated by the spectral analysis.
　The magnitude of the HR fluctuation was significantly reduced in the aged. Two oscillatory components the HR fluctuation corresponding to respiration and the Mayer wave were also reduced in the aged subjects. Variation of the forehead skin blood flow was larger in the aged. No significant correlation was observed in the fluctuation between HR and skin blood flow. Aging could not be observed on the fluctuation of the cutaneous circulation.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.17/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE